When it comes to weeknight dinners that are both quick and comforting, Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta has a special place in my heart. This dish combines the brightness of fresh lemon with tender chicken and a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of penne pasta. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

One of the main reasons you’ll find yourself returning to this Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is its versatility. The creamy sauce is rich yet refreshing, making it suitable for any season. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less clean-up and more time to enjoy with family or friends. The combination of lemon and chicken is a classic that never fails to impress, and the addition of heavy cream makes it feel luxurious.

Ingredient Rundown

To make this delicious pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half – This lean protein is the star of the show, providing succulent bites that are easy to cook.
1 lemon, quartered – The star ingredient that gives this dish its bright flavor.
2 tsp garlic powder, divided – Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
1 tsp ground black pepper, divided – For seasoning the chicken and adding a touch of warmth.
29 oz chicken broth – The base for our creamy sauce, adding richness and depth.
1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh – Enhances the lemony flavor and adds brightness.
16 oz penne pasta, cooked as directed on box – The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream – The key ingredient that gives the sauce its luscious texture.
1 tsp lemon zest, grated – For an extra punch of lemon flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Shredded cheese (optional) – A delicious topping that can add a nice cheesy finish.

Toolbox for This Recipe

To make Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, you will need the following tools:

Large skillet – Ideal for cooking the chicken and sauce together.
Pot for boiling pasta – To cook the penne al dente.
Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Knife and cutting board – For cutting the chicken and lemon.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: From Prep to Plate

Ready to make this delightful dish? Here’s how to whip up Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining garlic powder and ground black pepper. Squeeze the juice from the quartered lemon into the skillet, scraping up any bits left from the chicken. This adds flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cream It Up

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add in the lemon zest and mix until the sauce is well combined and begins to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with additional lemon zest or shredded cheese if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta while it’s warm for the best experience!

Tailor It to Your Diet

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta can be adjusted to fit various dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free: Swap out the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta alternatives.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy whipping cream.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
Low-Carb: Consider using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a lower-carb meal.

Notes on Ingredients

When making Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, here are a few notes to keep in mind:

Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may not provide the same brightness.
Feel free to use any shape of pasta you prefer; just ensure it’s cooked according to package instructions.
For added flavor, consider including fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish.
Store any leftover sauce separately to keep pasta from becoming too soggy.

Prep Ahead & Store

This dish is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make it work for your busy week:

Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cook the pasta and store it separately. Combine it with the sauce and chicken when ready to eat.
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or water as needed for consistency.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute, like coconut cream, for a dairy-free version of Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can easily be added to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed making Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, here are some other recipes you might love:

Final Bite

In conclusion, Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the comfort of creamy pasta. It’s an easy recipe that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to, and with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish is sure to shine on your table. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious lemon cream sauce!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half
2 tsp garlic powder divided
1 tsp ground black pepper divided
Salt Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

29 oz chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp lemon zest grated

For the Pasta:

16 oz penne pasta cooked as directed on box
Shredded cheese Shredded cheese optional

Equipment

Large Skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Method

Preparation Steps:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining garlic powder and ground black pepper. Squeeze the juice from the quartered lemon into the skillet, scraping up any bits left from the chicken. This adds flavor to the sauce.
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy whipping cream. Add in the lemon zest and mix until the sauce is well combined and begins to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well coated. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
Garnish with additional lemon zest or shredded cheese if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta while it’s warm for the best experience!

Notes

Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may not provide the same brightness.
Feel free to use any shape of pasta you prefer; just ensure it’s cooked according to package instructions.
For added flavor, consider including fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish.
Store any leftover sauce separately to keep pasta from becoming too soggy.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Ingredient Rundown

Toolbox for This Recipe